Russ Fulcher Running for 1st CD

Yesterday, Russ Fulcher announced that he is running for Congress and dropping out of the governor race. Two men are running for the same office – David Leroy and Russ Fulcher. My impressions of the two men follow.

How does one choose the best person to represent us in a political office? At one time, I did what most people do and that is focus mostly on issues. Does the candidate share my views on the economy, abortion, gun control, national debt, role of government etc.? While this is still an important consideration, I have now have added a process component.

In my book “A New Political Covenant”, I point out that in order to create a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous society it is necessary to listen to others and try to create win-win solutions. A win-win solution is not compromise. A win-win solution is finding a solution that addresses the concerns of all involved by empower the people with control over resources.

David Leroy and Russ Fulcher both share most of my political views. They also have the necessary process skills. They listen. They try to find solutions. They are slow to anger. They work with others that have differences of opinions. They both have developed political views; yet, still have the ability to listen to others and work with others that don’t have the same views. They both try to find common ground. The choice between the two will be difficult.

The governor race between Labrador, Little, and Ahlquist is different. In my experience, they all have similar political views; however, their process skills are very different.

Raul Labrador has been more of a rigid ideologue who has risen in politics by challenging authority and ruffling feathers. This is both a good and bad trait. To earn my vote, he will now have to show that he can listen and work with others with different political views. He also needs to show that he can solve problems by empowering people.

Brad Little listens well. However, he is closed as to where he is headed and what his plans and vision for Idaho are. I don’t know who he takes advice from and I don’t know what his solutions look like. Lt. Gov. Little’s weakness, in my mind, is that he does not articulate a clear vision of what his solutions or his approach will look like.

Dr. Tommy Ahlquist actually has the best set of process skills of the three candidates. He listens, dialogues, and shares his vision. He both has a position and listens to the positions of others. My concern with Dr. Ahlquist is his lack of political experience.

In the end, all three governor candidates have work to do to earn my vote. All three would make a good governor. The question is which of the three will step to the plate and make a great candidate for governor?